The Argentine goalkeeper with unexpected Mexican roots

When the 2025 Copa América Femenina kicks off on July 12, Argentina’s squad will include a player whose family history is deeply tied to Guadalajara. Renata Masciarelli, born in Mexico to an Argentine father, chose to represent the Albiceleste, a decision that underscores both her personal identity and a multigenerational football legacy rooted in Liga MX, according to Mediotiempo.

Masciarelli, born in January 1997, grew up in a household where football was more than just a sport — it was tradition. Her father, Gerardo, and uncle, Roberto Masciarelli, both played for Atlas, one of Guadalajara’s most iconic clubs. Her grandfather, also named Roberto, was a Rojinegro legend who arrived in Mexico from Argentina in 1949 and remained there long after hanging up his boots.

Roberto José Masciarelli Giura not only became a fan favorite at Atlas but also co-founded the now-famous restaurant La Estancia Gaucha in 1978. The establishment has since become a cultural landmark, frequented by celebrities like Guillermo del Toro and Julieta Venegas. Even after his passing in 2010, the club honored him as a lasting figure in their history.

Renata, meanwhile, carved her own path on the pitch. She began her professional career with América in 2019, later moving through Pachuca and FC Juárez before joining Spain’s Fundación Albacete Balompié ahead of the 2025 season. During the Clausura 2025, she established herself as a top-tier goalkeeper in Liga MX Femenil.

Her inclusion in the Argentine national team isn’t just about athletic prowess — it’s a continuation of a family saga that spans continents, generations and cultures. In every save, Masciarelli carries the spirit of two nations and a legacy built on passion, both on the field and off it.